Pentagon networks to allow official use of iPhones, iPads

May. 17, 2013 - 04:54PM
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The newly approved security technical implementation guide will open up access for government-issued Apple mobile phones and tablets already in use. It will not allow personal iOS devices to access DoD networks. (Army)

The Defense Department announced Friday that officials have taken the first step that will allow government-issued iPhones and iPads to access DoD computer networks.

Officials said the newly approved security technical implementation guide will not allow personal iOS devices to access DoD networks, but it will open up access for the 41,000 government-issued Apple mobile phones and tablets already in use at the Pentagon.

The announcement comes just weeks after the department approved future use of devices using the new Blackberry 10 operating system as well as the Samsung Android phones using the Knox security program.

The Defense Information Systems Agency is working to set up a Mobility Device Management system to securely manage all mobile devices with access to DoD networks and expects to award the contract early this summer, according to a news release. Once that is in place, personal devices will be able to access DoD networks, including Enterprise Email.

"All of these pieces must be in place to allow the secure use of commercial mobile devices on department networks," said DISA officer Mark Orndorff. "DISA is running a pilot program today where we bring this all together."